Friday afternoon, my husband was laid off. A total of 23 people in a work force that doesn't reach 200, were. And there is more coming.
Because of this, our life here on the homestead will abruptly change. You will see more repurpose and frugality in my posts. We will struggle more. And try desperately to hold onto our little patch of land.
We still plan on Firefly, the real donkey, to be here. (no worries Marina, that has already been worked out) I will need to look outside of the home for extra work. You can't lay off a motorcycle mechanic in the dead of winter and expect him to find work before spring. He has already talked to other shops.
This will be a very rough time in our lives.
On a brighter note, our 3 year old turns 4 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!
27 comments:
I'm so sorry- and I understand. My husband's company is going out of business as of Jan 31, and we'll be in the same boat. He doesn't know what he wants to (or can, or should) do next.
Joanna, I am sorry to hear that. But on the bright side, at least you know it is coming and can plan a bit for it. For us, there was no warning. I am hopeful things will work out for you and your family.
Been there, done that. It was awful at the time, but it made us stronger. My husband was in his 50's at the time. He ended up getting his GED and getting the job he's now had for 14 years. One thing about it, we learned what's really important, during that time.
I'm very sorry! I do know what you are going through, my dh worked in the oilfield for years, and layoffs are pretty regular there...
Keeing you in my thoughts, and I know you will get through this...
If there is anything I can do . . . please let me know. (((hugs))) our thoughts are with you.
Looks like you will be the breadwinner for a while and your hubby will be the breakmaker :)
X
Man, what a blow. Still, there is opportunity in everything, and I know that you and yours will be able to make the best of this situation.
Happy Birthday to the Little. Such an exciting age!
I am so sorry, my thoughts are with you, and you never know, maybe something good will come out of this!!! Happy Birthday to your little one.
{{hugs}}
Strength be with you all.
I am so sorry as well. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I don't know if you got the email I sent you, but my email is ginastjoe at a ol dot com.
Happy Birthday to the little one!!
Ouch what a shocker! It must be so frustrating. We will be thinking and praying for you.
Happy birthday little guy!
Oh crap. Call me.
I am sorry to hear about your hubby's job, Phelan, but really glad to hear about your not-so-little boy! Happy birthday.
We all also know you will carry on with your usual aplomb: we know you love a challenge!
--El
Sorry Phelan-
Hope that he finds something soon!
Ouch!! We'll surely be praying, Phelan. We're familiar with unexpected job setbacks, and know it's a real challenge. Your hubby has a real source of strength in you, and I admire both of your teamwork. Please keep us posted...we care!
Oh, Phelan, I'm so sorry about your husband's job. Life can really throw some bad stuff sometimes. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about your hubby's job phelan. I hope that everyone is right and you are able to come out of this stronger and maybe with a silver lining or two.
I know it sounds weird, since we're not exactly next door neighbors, but if there's anything we can do, please let us know! I can always ship you an extra 4 year old if you need one. They're good little helpers at this age, huh? :)xoxo
I am sorry to hear that. We had the same situation here this summer. Good thoughts to you. We came through it in a better situation ultimatly.
So sorry to hear that! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts...Happy Birthday to your little one!
That totally sucks. If either you or your husband would like help with cover letters and resumes, please send them my way. Meg (my wife) and I have advanced degrees in English and we have written and read many letters and resumes of all shapes and sizes. I'm not sure what your qualifications are, but there is always work to be found online (work from home). Please let us know if we can do anything.
Donna, I am thrilled to hear things worked out so well.
Anita, thank you.
Thank you becca, you take care of that darling baby. :D (no not J)
Marmitetoasty, haha!
Barefootgardener, thank you, and I think we just might be able to make the best out of it.
mommymommyland, oh I so hope so.
gina, thank you. And yes I did. Sorry I have been a little distracted. I will email you soon.
Stephanie, thank you.
abbagirl, will try.
El, HA! Not sure this was the challenge I really wanted.
Robbyn, you got me blushing.
Thank you ginnie.
Farm mom, you want me to go insane? hehe. Thank you.
Jana, I am so glad to hear that.
Whirled, I thank you.
Kelly, thank you for the offer.
And Thank you, all of you. I have recieved a few emails, and some of you offered helped. To be truthful, what we need right now is a business lawyer, and accountant, a backer or a really super nice loan officer, all willing to do a little work for home grown canned goods or motorcycle service. :D
It will all work out, some how.
Phelan me and mine will keep you and your in our thoughts and prayers and if you dont mind I will light some gree candles (prosperity/opportunity)as well.
I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's job, Phelan. I hope this is just a small bump in the road for you guys.
I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. It's a very disconcerting time, these. A couple of years ago, my husband's company with through a period of financial difficulties, and while they didn't close their doors, they were also unable to pay their employees. My husband is a share holder, and so he still went to work for four months with only sporadic pay. We lived off our home equity line of credit, but the days of doing that are over too.
I wish you the best, but I also know, from reading your blog for a while now, that you'll be amazing, and the ways you find to save money and repurpose will be ingenious and inspired ;).
Boy, I hope this works out well for you.
Am curious, does it have to be motorcycle engines? Because while not all accountants and lawyers have motorcycles, I bet the vast majority have lawn mowers. Around here it'd be snowblowers. I don't know anything about engines, but maybe there are similar engines to motorcycles in other things he could work on? I've read that during the Great Depression people who repaired small appliances did well, do dishwashers and washing machines have anything in their engines in common with motorcycles? (You see, I really don't know anything about engines.)
I'd be leary of bartering with an accountant or lawyer because the IRS thinks they can tax barter transactions, and I'd have trouble trusting those guys not to file it, in which case you'd get hit with the self-employment taxes.
If your library has the book 'What Color is Your Parachute?' it has some really good excercises in identifying your potentially money-making skills. Maybe you've already looked it over.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Phelan,
I'm sorry to hear of this new struggle. You have more than proven your ability to rise above. I suspect to hear your positive and able voice pushing through in your coming posts. I do hope you all find some good news coming your way soon and I too will be praying for you.
Your baby is darling. Happy birthday sweet boy!
Stephanie, I thank you.
Thank you Cheryl.
Wendy, you are making me blush.
Boysmom, no it doesn't have to be motorcycles, lawn mowers have similar set ups, plus my husband and I have had many different types of jobs, and can do many different things. And yes, I know that the IRS thinks they can tax bartering, I have a post on it somewhere around here. I really don't expect to find a lawyer or anything willing to work without money.
April and Katie, thank you both.
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